2. DOWN SYNDROME
DOWN SYNDROME
• I. “Definitions”
• II. Principle Features in Newborns
• III. Abnormalities
• IV. Age Specific Healthcare Guidelines
3. DOWN SYNDROME; “Definitions”
DOWN SYNDROME; “Definitions”
• Incidence: 1:660
newborns
• “The most common
pattern of
malformation in man”
• Etiology: Trisomy for
all or a large part of
Chromosome 21
• Full 21 = 94%
• Mosaicism = 2.4%
• Translocation = 3.3%
(D/G or G/G)
4. DOWN SYNDROME; Maternal Age
DOWN SYNDROME; Maternal Age
• Faulty chromosome
distribution leading to
Down Syndrome is
more likely to occur at
older maternal age.
• 15-29 yrs 1:1500
• 30-34 yrs 1:800
• 35-39 yrs 1:270
• 40-44 yrs 1:100
• >45 yrs 1:50
5. DOWN SYNDROME: Principle Features in
DOWN SYNDROME: Principle Features in
Newborns
Newborns
• Hall found at least
four of these
abnormalities in all
newborns with Down
Syndrome.
• Slanted palpebral
fissures(80%)
• Anomalous auricles
(60%)
• Hypotonia (80%)
• Poor Moro (85%)
• Hyperflexible joints
(80%)
• XS skin back of neck
(80%)
• Flat facial profile
(90%)
6. DOWN SYNDROME: Features in Newborns (2)
DOWN SYNDROME: Features in Newborns (2)
• Dysplasia of pelvis (70%)
• Dysplasia of midphalanx of fifth finger (60%)
• Simean crease (45%)
7. DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
• General
• Hypotonia
• Tendency to keep mouth open and
protrude tongue
• Diastasis recti
• Hyperflexible joints
• Small stature
8. DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
• CNS: Mental deficiency, seizures
(5-10%),ADHD, autism, dementia
• Craniofacial: Brachycephaly, flat occiput,
mild microcephaly, upslanting palpebral
fissures, late closure of fontanels, hypo- to
aplasia of frontal sinuses, short hard
palate, small nose, low nasal bridge, inner
epicanthal folds
9. DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
• Eyes: Brushfield’s spots (speckling of iris)
with peripheral hypoplasia of iris, fine lens
opacities (59%), myopia (35-40%,
hyperopia (20-25%), strabismus
(23-44%),keratoconus (5-8%), blephoritis
(50% over lifetime), cataracts, nystagmus
10. DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
• EARS:
• Small
• Overfolding of
angulated upper helix
• Small or absent
earlobes
• Small canals
• Middle ear problems
(fluid and recurrent
otitis media)
• Sensorineural hearing
loss
11. Down syndrome: Abnormalities
Down syndrome: Abnormalities
• CARDIAC (30-60%)
• AV canal
• ASD
• VSD
• PDA
• Aberrant subclavian
artery
• Tetrology of Fallot
• All infants and
children need to have
an evaluation by a
pediatric cardiologist
and ECHO before 3
months of age.
• SBE prophylaxis as
indicated
12. DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
• GASTROINTESTINAL
• Duodenal web or atresia
• Tracheo-esophageal
fistula
• Hirschprung’s
• Celiac disease
• GERD
• Ulcers
• Constipation
• GU
• Male: small penis,
decreased fertility,
cryptorchidism (27%),
decreased testosterone
production
• Female: fertile, 50% of
offspring will have DS,
20-40% of DD women
sexually abused over
lifetime
13. DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
• DIETARY
• Obesity
• Increased
triglycerides
• Decreased HDL
cholesterol,
apolipoprotein A1,
HDL:TG ratio
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Reduced caloric intake
• Increased physical
activity
• Consider nutritional
consult earlier rather than
later
14. DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME; Abnormalities
• ENDOCRINE
• Thyroid Disorders:
• Congenital
hypothyroidism (27X
general population)
• Hypothyroidism (15%)
• Hyperthyroidism
• Lower incidence of
Diabetes Mellitus
• HEME
• Immune function may
be impaired with
decreased IG2 and
IG4 and increased
IG1 and IG3 as well
as cellular immune
deficits
• Leukemia (1:95)
15. DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
DOWN SYNDROME: Abnormalities
• MUSCULOSKELETAL
• Atlanto-axial
instability(14%)
• Risk of spinal cord injury
(1%) Symptoms include
neck pain, posturing of
head, torticollis, change
in gait
• Loss of upper body
strength, abnormal
neurological reflexes,
change in
bowel/bladder
functioning
• DDH
• Hand/foot deformities
18. DOWN SYNDROME
DOWN SYNDROME
AGE SPECIFIC HEALTH CARE
AGE SPECIFIC HEALTH CARE
GUIDELINES (FROM COHEN)
GUIDELINES (FROM COHEN)
19. DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
• HISTORY
• Parental concerns
• Check for GI problems
• Hearing/Vision
• Family supports
• EXAM
• Cardiac
• Cataracts
• Otitis media
• Fontanelles (think
thyroid)
20. DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
• LABS, CONSULTS
• Chromosomal karyotype
• Genetic counseling
• T4, TSH
• Mandatory screening
• Pediatric cardiology
• ECHO
• BAER
• Opthalmologist
• Feeding specialist if
there are feeding
difficulties (OT, SLP,
Lactation Nurse)
21. DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
DOWN SYNDROME: NEONATAL
• DEVELOPMENTAL
• Discuss Early
Intervention
• Refer for enrollment in
local program
• OTHER
• Refer to local Down
Syndrome parent
group or PRO
(Parents Reaching
Out) for family
support
• The Web
22. DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY (2-12 MONTHS)
DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY (2-12 MONTHS)
• HISTORY
• Parental concerns
• Respiratory infections
(especially otitis media)
• Constipation (use
aggressive dietary
measures, consider
Hirschprung’s)
• Vision/Hearing
• EXAM
• General neurological,
neuromotor,
musculoskeletal exam
• TMs (refer to ENT if
you cannot see them
and are suspicious of
otitis)
23. DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY
DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY
• LAB, CONSULTS
• If not done as newborn,
must have pediatric
cardiology evaluation and
ECHO. Remember,
patients with VSD or AV
septal defect may quietly
be developing
progressive pulmonary
hypertension
• BAER or other
assessment of hearing by
6 months if not done as
newborn.
• Pediatric opthalmology
evaluation by 6-12
months if not done as
newborn.
• ENT for recurrent otitis.
• T4, TSH if not done yet.
24. DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY
DOWN SYNDROME: INFANCY
• DEVELOPMENTAL
• Early Intervention
• PT, OT evaluations
• Developmental
assessment
• RECOMMENDATION
S
• Apply for SSI
• Estate planning
• Custody
arrangements
• Family support
• SBE prophylaxis as
indicated
25. DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD (1-12 YRS)
DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD (1-12 YRS)
• HISTORY
• Parental concerns
• Current level of
functioning
• Current programming (EI,
3-4 year old program,
school, special education)
• Behavior problems
• Ear problems
• Sleep problems
• Constipation
• Obesity
• Review audiologic
and thryoid function
tests
• Review opthalmologic
and dental care
26. DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
• EXAM
• General pediatric and
neurologic exam.
• LABS, CONSULTS
• T4,TSH yearly
• ECHO if not done
• Auditory testing yearly
1-3 yrs, every 2 years
3-13 years
• EXAM
• Eye exams every 2 years
if normal, more often if
abnormal
• Lateral C-spine films
(neutral, flexion and
extension) at 3 years and
l2 years for atlanto-axial
instability
• Dental at 2 yrs & q6 mo.
27. DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
• DEVELOPMENTAL
• Enroll in appropriate
educational program
• Yearly IFSP 0-3 yrs, IEP
4-21 yrs.
• SLP evaluation
• Consider augmentive
communication device as
indicated
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Twice daily tooth
brushing
• Caloric intake below RDA
• Monitor diet, high fiber
• Exercise
• OT, PT, SLP as needed
• SBE prophylaxis as
needed
28. DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
DOWN SYNDROME: CHILDHOOD
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Monitor family needs for
respite care, supportive
counselling, behavior
management techniques
• Consider pneumovax and
annual flu vaccines
• Reinforce the
importance of good
self-care skills
(grooming, dressing,
money management
skills)
29. DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE (12-18
DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE (12-18
YEARS)
YEARS)
• HISTORY
• Interval medical history
• Sleep apnea
• Vision/Hearing
• Behavioral problems
• Address sexuality issues
• EXAM
• General physical and
neurological exam (r/
o atlanto-axial
dislocation
• Obesity
• Pelvic if sexually
active
30. DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
• LAB, CONSULTS
• T4, TSH yearly
• Hearing and Vision every
other year
• ECHO for individuals
without CHD once in
early adulthood (18-20
years) to rule out valvular
disease
• Consider gynecologist
experienced in
working with special
needs individuals for
pelvic exam for
sexually active
teenager
31. DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Begin transition planning
• Dental exams twice
yearly
• SSI
• SBE prophylaxis as
needed
• Annual flu shot
• Diet and exercise
program
• Update estate
planning and custody
arrangements
• Social/recreational
programs
• Register to vote and
selective service at
18
32. DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
DOWN SYNDROME: ADOLESCENCE
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• Discuss plans for
alternative long term
living arrangements
• Reinforce good self-care
skills
• Yearly IEP and
psychoeducational
evaluations
• Vocational issues
• Smoking, drug,
alcohol education
• Health and sex
education including
counselling regarding
abuse prevention
• Continue SLP
services as needed
33. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULT (>18 YEARS)
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULT (>18 YEARS)
• HISTORY
• Interval medical history
• Sleep apnea
• Thyroid
• Monitor for loss of skills,
behavioral changes,
mental health problems,
dementia (decline in
function memory loss,
ataxia, seizures,
• Incontinence of urine and/
or stool)
• GERD
• Atlanto-axial instability
• Obesity
34. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• EXAM
• General physical and
neurologic exams
• Monitor weight
• Pap smears for sexually
active women every 1-3
years
• Pelvic every 3 years for
non-sexually active
women
• Yearly breast exams
• Testicular exam for men
• Prostate exam for men
35. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• LAB, CONSULTS
• T4, TSH yearly
• Eye exam every 2 years
• Auditory testing every 2
years
• Repeat C-spine films
once in adulthood
• ECHO to rule out valvular
disease once in early
adulthood
• Mammograms yearly
from age 50 years
• Mammograms yearly
from age 40 years for
women with first degree
relative with breast
cancer
• Twice yearly dental
exams
• Mental health referral ?
36. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• SLP as needed
• Consider augmentive
communication device
• Vocational issues
• Discuss plans for
alternative long term
living arrangements
• Discuss advanced
directives
• Update estate planning
• Guardianship issues
• Social/recreational
programs
• Voting, selective service
• Reinforce self-help skills
• Bereavement counselling
when indicated
37. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• RECOMMENDATIONS
• SBE prophylaxis for
patients with cardiac
disease
• Annual flu shot
• Diet and exercise
programs
38. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• PSYCHIATRIC
DISORDERS
• First rule out medical
cause for changes in
behavior, SIB, loss of
skills, incontinence,
change in appetite,
weight, sleep or energy
level, aggressive
behavior, crying.
• Consider pain from
GERD, dental
abscess, sinusitis,
otitis, fracture,
glaucoma
• Thyroid
• Sleep apnea
• AAI
• Polypharmacy
39. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• PSYCHIATRIC
DISORDERS
• Depression: sad, irritable
mood, disturbances in
appetite, sleep, energy,
loss of interest in
previously enjoyable
activities, skill and
memory loss, self-talk,
withdrawal.
• Depression may be
seen in reaction to
loss: death in the
family, loss of
caretaker, roommate.
• Psychosis and
schizophrenia
uncommon
• OCD
• Anxiety disorders
40. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS
• PSYCHIATRIC
DISORDERS
• Dementia (Alzheimer)
• A neuro-psychiatric
syndrome of memory loss
that prevents new
information from being
learned, decline of
intellectual skills which
impairs social and
• occupational
functioning. It is
progressive and is
associated with senile
plaques and
neurofibrillary tangles
in the brain on
postmortem exam. It
results in inability to
care for oneself and,
eventually, death.
41. DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS (Patients showing
DOWN SYNDROME: ADULTS (Patients showing
Deterioration by Age Groups)
Deterioration by Age Groups)
AGE
<39
40-49
50-59
60-69
>70
n
0
10
33
20
2
%
0
11
80
91
100
42. DOWN SYNDROME: REFERENCES
DOWN SYNDROME: REFERENCES
• 1. Cohen, W.I. “Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down
Syndrome” Down Syndrome Quarterly Vol 1 No 2 . 6-96
• 2. Visser, F.E., etal. “Prospective Study of the Prevalence of
Alzheimer-Type Dememtia in Institutionalized Individuals with Down
Syndrome” AJMR Vol 101, No 4, l997, 400-412.
• 3. Caring for Individuals with Down Syndrome and Their Families.
Third Ross Roundtable on Critical Issues in Family Medicine. 1994.
• 4. Pueschel, S.M. and Sustrova, M. Adolescents with Down
Syndrome. Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. 1997.
• 5. Smith, D.W. Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation.
Third Edition. W.B.Saunders Co. 1982.
